Fact Check: Texas city requires residents to pledge not to boycott Israel for hurricane relief.

Fact Check: Texas City Requires Residents to Pledge Not to Boycott Israel for Hurricane Relief

What We Know

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the city of Dickinson, Texas, implemented a requirement for residents applying for disaster relief funds to pledge not to boycott Israel. This requirement was included in the grant application for repairs, stating that applicants must verify they "do not boycott Israel" and "will not boycott Israel during the term of this Agreement" (BBC). This stipulation aligns with a Texas state law, known as the Anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestments, and Sanctions) bill, which prohibits state agencies from contracting with entities that engage in boycotts against Israel (AP News). The law was signed by Governor Greg Abbott in May 2017, and it reflects a broader trend, as 21 states have enacted similar legislation (NPR).

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized this requirement, arguing that it constitutes a violation of First Amendment rights, which protect the right to engage in political boycotts (ACLU). They contend that the government cannot condition public benefits, such as hurricane relief, on a commitment to refrain from protected political expression (ACLU).

Analysis

The claim that Dickinson requires residents to pledge not to boycott Israel in order to receive hurricane relief is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC and AP News both report on the specific language included in the grant application, confirming that this requirement is indeed part of the application process for disaster relief funds. Furthermore, the legal basis for this requirement is grounded in the Anti-BDS law, which has been a point of contention among civil rights advocates.

The ACLU's position, as articulated by their legal representatives, highlights the constitutional concerns surrounding this requirement. They argue that the law infringes on free speech rights, a claim supported by legal precedents regarding the protection of political expression (ACLU). The ACLU's involvement indicates a serious legal challenge to the city's policy, suggesting that the requirement may face scrutiny in court.

While the city attorney of Dickinson, David Olson, stated that the city is merely trying to comply with state law, he acknowledged the potential for confusion regarding the applicability of the law to the city's grant program (AP News). This ambiguity raises questions about the motivations behind the requirement and its enforcement.

Conclusion

The claim that a Texas city requires residents to pledge not to boycott Israel for hurricane relief is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Dickinson's grant application includes a clause mandating this pledge, which is rooted in state legislation aimed at countering boycotts against Israel. The ongoing legal challenges from the ACLU further underscore the contentious nature of this policy and its implications for free speech rights.

Fact Check: Texas city requires residents to pledge not to boycott Israel for hurricane relief.